Character Concept History[]
Design[]
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Unconfirmed Information
The information you're reading comes from leaks, which haven't been officially verified yet. Leaks can sometimes be true, but it's best to be cautious until there's official confirmation. |
Catty Noir was designed around 2021-2022. The design team likely wanted to keep the character's development under wraps. So, they were surprised when early concept art featuring elaborate details such as a pink tulle-tiered coat and silver accessories surfaced online. This concept has revealed ideas that were ultimately scrapped due to cost limitations. It's normal for concept art to have more than the final doll. Previous dolls, such as Venus, Scare-adise Island, and Creepover, also lost accessories during production. Therefore, there is currently no cost involved at this stage of the design process, making it a minor concern. Catty Noir, in particular, is a doll that was designed for a longer-than-expected timeframe. Initially, her current body type wasn't even considered achievable; this wasn't due to a lack of desire from the design team, but rather the limitations of what they thought was possible.
Her outfit in even earlier stages was even more detailed too. Her shoes originally had a gradient effect like Venus's, and her iconic coat wasn't even part of the main outfit. It was considered the "extra piece" back when all core dolls still had one. Unreleased concepts show the design team trying to incorporate the coat (and even revert the dress to a single layer like the first leaked prototype). They're ultimately grappling with what's most realistic to release within the $25 price point, considering the new body type that adds to the production cost. In the end, the final decision lies with Mattel, not the designers.
Some fans have expressed disappointment with Catty's final design, particularly the lack of the elaborate coat seen in the leaks. It's understandable to have initial reactions, but it's important to consider the design process. Leaked concept art often goes through significant changes due to cost limitations and production feasibility. Even the doll prototype pictures circulating online are likely unfinished prototypes, not representative of the final product. These early leaks can create unrealistic expectations and potentially influence sales negatively.
Mattel designers are very much aware of fan feedback. For example, after the controversy surrounding Skulltimate Secrets 1 Frankie Stein's hat, they made design changes based on fan concerns. Such as checking every lightning bolt pattern so it doesn’t come across as something else - that and besides stuff like making the doll necks longer or removing the use of polypropylene (a hair material widely disliked by the doll community) from regular dolls, so there’s a good chance the design team will consider adjustments for future dolls' bodies, head sculpts, and more based on fan feedback.
The final Catty Noir doll showcases a highly unique body mold and face. Interestingly, the doll's proportions may have been influenced by feedback on the earlier leaked prototypes.
Earlier concepts show a different body type was initially considered, with a figure similar to Cleo's - thicker legs but mostly skinny. This suggests the final design with a curvier figure might not have been the initial direction. The designer fought for their vision of a curvier Catty Noir, and their persistence is what ultimately brought that vision to life. Monster High designers at Mattel are known to listen to constructive criticism and have made adjustments based on fan feedback in the past.